Sweet treats spark connection at new dessert bar

Owned and operated by Kilmore’s Naicker family, the dessert bar sets out to be a space for the community to come together and share in a tasty treat.

“We want people to sit and connect because I think we’re missing that a lot in the way we run our lives these days — we’re just go, go, go,” Lorena Naicker said.

“It’s about having that moment, even if it’s a five-minute scoop of ice cream.”

Lorena, who also works in education support at a local high school, said the concept of Swirl, Sip and Stay first came to her when she realised there weren’t many spaces for young people to spend their after-school hours.

Posting about the initial idea of opening up a do-it-yourself frozen yoghurt bar in town on Facebook, she realised just how sought after a food option like this was.

“I think we had more than 400 responses,” she said.

Swirl, Sip and Stay has since morphed into a full dessert bar, offering everything from smoothies and milkshakes, to waffles and pancakes, and, of course, frozen yoghurt.

From the very start, the community has been watching the journey.

“I thought to share our experience on socials because not many people realise how much goes on behind the scenes when you’re opening up a business,” Lorena said.

“I think people feel connected, too, and that’s what I wanted to achieve.

“I want people to walk in and feel like they’re at home or they’re part of our family.”

Behind the counter, Lorena is joined by her daughters Kiara and Katia.

Her husband has also been a big part of the journey during the set-up of the shop, and her oldest son even financed the venture at just 22 years old.

“(My son) said, ‘Mum, you work so hard, you know what you need to do, let’s just do it,’” Lorena said.

Above all, the family wants the dessert bar to feel like an inclusive space.

“I just wanted a place where everyone felt accepted and everyone felt welcomed,” Lorena said.

“I want everyone to feel happy, included and connected.”

Since the dessert bar’s grand opening on Saturday, September 19, the family has been “blown away” by the support shown by customers and neighbouring businesses.

“Everyone has walked in saying ‘We needed this, thank you for bringing this here,’” Lorena said.

“We’re honestly humbled and we really appreciate the support that’s been shown.”

Swirl, Sip and Stay is located at 30 McIntyre St, Seymour, and operates between 11.30am and 10pm on weekdays and 11.30am and 11pm on weekends.